While federal officials in Washington are trying out different approaches to reduce foreclosures such as modifying mortgage loan terms, a Miami resident is applying his own unique solution to twin problems besetting many states - homelessness and foreclosed houses.

Tapping the Internet and volunteer teams, Max Rameau uses his Take Back the Land Foundation to match the homeless with vacant units that were foreclosed. Since January he has helped six families find temporary dwellings, although his efforts are expected to generate controversy. So far, federal, state and local officials have not stopped him.

The First District of Appeal in San Francisco ruled that it is the prerogative of prison officials to determine the food temperature of inmates. The decision overturned a ruling by the Pelican Bay State Prison in Del Norte County mandating jail officials to ensure inmates receive hot meals.

Two prisoners locked in the security housing of the facility filed a lawsuit over the food service because their breakfast and dinner were just lukewarm even if there is a Corrections Department regulation that stated all prisoners must receive three meals daily, of which two must be served hot.

The First District of Appeal in San Francisco ruled that it is the prerogative of prison officials to determine the food temperature of inmates.

The decision overturned a ruling by the Pelican Bay State Prison in Del Norte County mandating jail officials to ensure inmates receive hot meals.

With Canadian consumers postponing major capital purchase decisions, real estate agents have to make their offers sweeter by throwing in freebies. Among the incentives they dangle to potential home buyers are a free car, TV sets and overseas trips.

Kelly Collins, chief operating officer of CountryWide Homes, explained to the Toronto Star, "Everyone is doing what they can to attract buyers; there is so much doom and gloom... Anything you can do to differentiate yourself from the competition helps."

The pending transfer of the widow of television producer Aaron Spelling to a condo unit from a mansion reflects the downturn of the American economy and the real estate market.

Candy Spelling, when Aaron was still alive, lived with her husband for almost two decades in a 56,500-square foot French chateau-style mansion which had a wine-tasting room, bowling lanes and silver, china and gift-wrapping rooms. Aaron was the man behind hit TV series like "Charlie's Angels" and "Seventh Heaven."